Even though death is expected, you may not be prepared for the actual moment it occurs. At the time of death:

  • There will be no response
  • There will be no breathing
  • There will be no pulse
  • Eyes will be fixed in one direction
  • Eyelids may be opened or closed
  • There may be loss of control of the bladder or bowel

The procedures followed prior to and after death by nurses, physicians and funeral directors will be different from county to county, and State to State.

If your loved one is living with a terminal disease you should ask your hospice nurse, physician and funeral director what the procedures are in your area.

REMEMBER THIS IS AN EXPECTED DEATH AND NO FURTHER MEDICAL INTERVENTION IS REQUIRED

AFTER DEATH HAS OCCURRED
If you have health care professionals involved, such as Hospice, in the care of the dying person, they should be notified of the death, first. They are available to provide you with emotional support and assistance regarding the telephone call to our funeral home. However, after calling Hospice, if you wish, you can call our funeral home, also. 

In the event Hospice is not involved but the death was due to a terminal disease, call our funeral home, immediately.  If the death has occurred due to an accident, homicide, or suicide, then call 911, to notify the coroner's office of Jackson County--in the event of an accident, homicide or suicide, do not touch or move the person or any evidence that might be in the room or home or outside the building of death.

In the event of a death involving hospice care, you, as the family or friends, may spend as much time as needed with the deceased person. Do not be afraid to touch, hug or kiss the person. Some people may wish to lie down beside him/her.

A health care provider may also help with the safe, responsible way of disposing of medication and removing medical equipment, but it is the family's responsibility to do so.

You may have to deal with many intense emotions and challenges in your journey through the loss of your loved one.

It is important to realize that grief is a highly personal response to life losses. Grief may last longer than society recognizes, so be patient with yourself and allow for the expression of feelings that you are experiencing.